NBA: Mike D’Antoni Says James Harden To Play As Point Guard

New Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni has made his first change to the team’s style. He said on Monday that shooting guard James Harden is changing positions.

For the last couple of years, Harden has basically served as the Houston Rockets point guard. He’s been starting plays and had the ball a lot more than other players, but now he has the title to back it up. He’s becoming a full-time point guard.

D’Antoni has decided to put the ball in Harden’s hands more than last season, like a traditional point guard. It should allow Harden to become more of a playmaker.

James Harden to play point guard for Rockets

“He’s more or less responsible for giving rhythm to the team, that’s what a point guard does. He’s going to be on the ball and he’s going to be distributing the ball and it will take some adjusting. He’s got a lot more responsibilities as a point guard. A playcaller, a good basketball mind, he’s already telling guys we can do this we can do that. ”

When asked about the role, Harden seemed ready to take on his new responsibilities. “Just a lot of trust. My teammates trust in me to make the right decision whether it’s scoring or whether it’s making a play,” Harden said. “We have a lot of guys who are more than capable to create and knock down shots and that’s what is going to open our floor. A lot more guys are going to get open shots left and right.”

When asked if he is a point guard now, Harden joked, “No,I’m a basketball player.”